Collaboration Station Part 2 ~ The (Almost) Twenty Year Journey
If you're wondering how we got to this point where husband & wife artists, Elizabeth and Philip Walker went from meeting as young adults in Aspen, CO, to building the empire that is Elizabeth Sarah Collections - get ready for this epic journey of dedication, passion and hustle.
The very first conversation between Elizabeth (better known as Boo or Beth) & Philip back in 2001, in fact, was about their shared vision for pursuing their passion for the arts.
As young as they were, the pair knew the direction they were destined to head in and were determined to work hard to achieve their goals. Through peaks and valleys, and struggles with growing up personally and professionally - they are thankful for the journey that's lead them to this point. As you read along, you'll see how this dynamic power couple persevered and always found a way to keep the dream alive.
Philip always wanted to be recognized for his creative talent. As a child, he loved comic books, surfing, and art - drawing or painting for his friends and family any chance he got.
In 1998, he followed his sense of adventure into the unknown, and moved to Aspen, CO from New Smyrna Beach, FL at age 19. He definitely lived it up being a part time ski bum - but art always found a way to stay in his life. This big move didn’t hinder Philips drive, being on his own motivated him even more.
He found an outlet creating art for his friends while working for ski resorts and living in employee housing. He would use his paintings to decorate the living spaces, using anything he could find as his canvas as the small town life didn’t always provide the supplies he needed.
Eventually, he ended up getting his foot into the door of galleries renowned to Aspen locals and international visitors alike.
Philip is a motivated and determined artist who never lets his passion take the back seat.
Using other famous artists he idolized, Philip took their success as his motivation to one day become a full-time and self employed artist.
Since the couple met, Boo and Philip have both worked various full and part time jobs. In 2004, the couple decided to marry and soon after relocate back to Florida. Between 2004 and 2017, Philip worked as a furniture warehouse manager, carpenter, wine rep, and restaurant manager, among other jobs, before being able to become a full time artist.
He kept his head down and worked hard, even working construction at one point, digging ditches to provide an income for his family. He is a man that doesn't ask for much help, and relies on his own craftsmanship, grit, and sense of independence.
While making ends meet, Philip always prioritized his art, pushing for the lifestyle he always dreamed of.
Philip would book gallery showings and pop ups around his work schedule - packing up his truck and/or trailer and often making cross country drives or flights to show his work.
He has done this routine - no matter which job he held at the time - until 2017 when we was General Manager and Events Curator for Royal Palm Wine and Tapas in Atlantic Beach, FL.
That was the year he finally was able to retire from the traditional career world and pursued his independent art career full-time.
Boo always dabbled in many different forms of art over the years - from painting to making stained glass - but the little girl inside who played dress up with Grandma Shirley's jewelry couldn’t be stopped from creating her own line that now sells worldwide.
She started her work in the fine jewelry industry in 2001 at age 19. She moved from the Midwest to Aspen, CO and worked as an apprentice for a well-known jewelry designer, who happened to be her neighbor. It was during this time she learned the ins and outs of the business as well as techniques and materials. Did I mention she was also in college at the time? Talk about boss babe in training here!
After four years in this position, and being newly engaged to Philip, she started on a new career path. The responsible side of her knew that she was given the opportunity to learn a trade and that she should "get a real job," while the creative inner child was seeking out something more fulfilling. Elizabeth began working in the healthcare industry as a Dental Assistant and maintained this position for the next thirteen years. It wasn't her first career choice, as she was clearly destined to be a professional jewelry designer.
At one point, she even completely stopped making jewelry, as she couldn't find the time to juggle two jobs. Doing art shows on the weekends and understanding the technology behind creating an online presence before it was even a thing, not only took up majority of her time but also put pressure on her as a new wife during a cross country move.
For a while Boo struggled internally, torn between wanting to work in the dental industry for the salary and healthcare benefits, or putting everything on the line to start her own company.
Boo’s mom and grandparents always believed in her & supported her, motivating her to stick it out and pursue her passion until she was able to be a full time artist and jewelry designer.
Eventually, Boo started decreasing her hours at the dental office from four, three, two and one day a week as she got busier with Elizabeth Sarah Collections. She never had or asked for any help - and put every penny she earned back into the business.
It wasn’t even until recently she put herself and Philip on payroll! Boo was driven to keep her business successful by any means possible, and to continue using the highest quality materials her money can buy.
Elizabeth & Philip have always shared art as a common interest from the very beginning of their relationship. As they grew together over the past 18 years, they have always supported each others passion and determination. They never let anything or anyone stop them from doing what they do best.
Now, almost two decades since fate brought them together, both Elizabeth and Philip run Elizabeth Sarah Collections full time, collaborate on art projects together, and have hired four employees in the past four years.
They've worked hard to attain jobs they could've only dreamed about in the beginning. They’re not only grateful for the opportunities they’ve been given, but the lessons that they've learned along the way.
Together they have crossed the country numerous times and have shown both art and jewelry at galleries and galas from New York City to Chicago to Los Angeles.
The past two decades have been one hell of a ride, and as long as we can get through 2020, we can’t wait to see what the next twenty years has in store for the Walker’s & their team!
